(Newser)
–
In 2005, a professor found a reference to "Long Wall of Quang Ngai" in a 19th-century Vietnamese document. Five years later, Dr Andrew Hardy and his team have uncovered that nearly 200-year-old—and 79-mile long—wall, reports CNN. Up to 13 feet high in places, the scale is much smaller than the Great Wall of China, but researchers call it the greatest engineering feat of the Nguyen Dynasty. "This is the longest monument in Southeast Asia," said a Vietnamese historian.

Called "the Long Wall," it was constructed beginning in 1819 along a pre-existing road, and is studded with more than 50 ancient forts. CNN notes that the wall would have been used to regulate trade and travel between the Hrê tribes in the mountain valleys and the Viet people in the plains; evidence goes so far as to suggest that the Long Wall was built with the help of both peoples. Officials hope to turn the wall into a tourist attraction.

I don't know about the Great Wall of Vietnam, but I know a pretty good fence in Chicago. ;-).

Aitchondo

Jan 27, 2011 1:49 PM CST

Officials hope to turn the wall into a tourist attraction.??? Let's see, time for vacation. Now, the Great Wall of Vietnam or Las Vegas or Disney World or a train trip across Canada. Of course I would go with the GWofV. Might even find some of my MIA buddies.